Prof Muiris X FitzGerald Occupation: Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University College Dublin and Professor of Medicine/Consultant Respiratory Physician, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin.
Personal & Family: Educated Tipperary Town CBS and Clongowes Wood College. I live in a household with a psychoanalyst, an actor, a rapper and a student of history and politics - to my great educational benefit.
What figure from the world of health / medicine do you most admire?
Ed Gaensler, now retired Professor of Thoracic Surgery, my old boss at Boston University - an inspirational figure. Also, Micheál Martin, Minister for Health, who, with gutsy persistence, pulled off one of the greatest public health coups - the smoking ban.
What alternative career might you have chosen?
In a bygone era, I seriously considered becoming a Jesuit on what was endearingly called The Foreign Missions.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Work on a vaccine to rid the health service of deadly political viruses; redress health inequities, foster competition - currently non-existent. Invest in the education of health professionals.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
A dead heat between (a) the Tipperary hurling team never winning another All-Ireland and (b) the non-implementation of the Hanly and Primary Care initiatives.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, but I insisted on getting rare complications that only a doctor-patient gets - to the despair of my dedicated medical attendants. Sorry!
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
Finnegans Wake, A la Recherche du Temps Perdu and the Field Day Anthology.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
I draw comfort from two thoughts - this could be character-forming and good for you - and anyway, tomorrow is another day.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
University Challenge. On radio, Bowman's Saturday and Rattlebag are a must.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
In the Carthusian Monastery (non-celibate wing) overlooking Siena.
Summarise yourself in 12 words?
Promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
I sampled a selection to understand what made them attractive to sick people. I met some lovely, starry-eyed people. But also the seriously dotty, daft and dangerous who could mislead or harm vulnerable people. It made me angry.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Basil, Manuel, Homer, Spike, Billy, Jackie Mason, the Goons but, most of all, the retelling of a host of hilarious jokes that I share with my brother Garry in Waterford (patents pending).
(Interview by Dr Muiris Houston)